Page 13 - drive a2b october 2019
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Tips to consider if you are talking to someone you
are worried about:
A campaign for suicide getting the conversation wrong. Experts generally agree that
It is better to reach out than avoid the person for fear of
asking someone whether they are thinking about suicide
prevention in Australia is unlikely to make the situation worse or ‘put ideas in their
head’.
If you feel uncertain if your friend or loved one may be at risk,
ask the question directly – “Are you having thoughts about
suicide?” and be prepared for the answer to be yes.
Whether it is for conversations
with friends, family, colleagues or Make the person feel comfortable by listening without
acquaintances, #YouCanTalk also judgement or criticism and don’t try to ‘fix’ the problem or
highlights the resources available to talk them out of suicide. Just listen.
support these conversations. Ensure they are safe for now and talk to the person about
The main message is you don’t need who else to involve so they can be supported. You can assist
by connecting them with other supports and services.
to be a clinician, a GP, or a nurse
to check-in with someone you are Connect with resources and supports that are available to you
worried about. to help you navigate the conversation.
Trust your instincts and access
suicide prevention resources to
assist you in having the discussion. To find out how to safely talk about suicide, support the campaign
This includes recognising the signs or access support services follow #YouCanTalk on social media or
that someone is thinking of suicide, go to www.lifeinmindaustralia.com.au/youcantalk
how to talk about it openly and
honestly and what to do if someone
says they are not coping and needs
help.
#YouCanTalk is about giving people
the confidence to have the
conversation by connecting them to
the tools that can support them.
